KMWGuitars
Member
Hi everyone, first time posting. (hammer)
Just done my first year at Uni on an Instrument making course with at least 2 years ahead of me. I'm giving serious consideration to kitting out my workshop early as it hampering my progress outside of school hours.
I've got a majority of my handtools and light power tools already but the bigger stuff is still missing as I'm not sure what to get.
Budgets in the region of 5k but the lower I can keep that the better, as what dosh I have left + savings will be used to cover me while I get up and running
My aim eventually is to knock out at least 1 guitar a month and reducing the workload with machines seems the obvious choice. Wont be going the whole CNC route as I aim to make hand crafted items even if the bulk of prep work is done by machines. You may be amazed at how much hands on is still required.
Space wise I have 4 metres by 4 metres of insulated garage converted with 240v Single phase only.
Its all a bit daunting trying to figure out what is a good make/reliable etc but I do have some ideas that you may agree with or steer me away from with better suggestions.
Here's a list of the main items I'm looking for with capabilities.
Large Bandsaw Looking at the Startrite 502e, Jet 18Q or Record 400 atm but not sure if its overkill.
Capabilities -
Materials, mainly MDF and hardwoods, possible plastics on occasion.
For cutting out 2”+ body blanks prior to routing flush.
Removing excess material from necks/ finger boards.
Angle cuts for scarf joints
Trimming initial curved mould templates.
Ripping boards 8”-10” tall from larger chunks to reduce costs for back and sides for acoustics guitars and the list goes on.
Small Bandsaw/scrollsaw Don't think I can really go wrong with the little Jet one Axminster does?
Capabilities -
Small jobs for more delicate work like inlay shapes, bridge shaping, trimming veneers etc
Planer/thicknesser Only used a portable thicknesser so far and separate jointer so no idea whats a good option. Figured a PT would save room over all.
Capabilities -
Thicknesses Min 5mm max 5”
Widths around 10”, 15" would be great but if the cost jump is massive I could deal with less
For neck blanks nothing bigger than a metre long normally but could go up to 2 metres for a through neck project I guess.
Drum Sander Don’t know much about these but pretty sure it would speed up production times getting things to almost final thickness prior to tweaking, so any advice/info welcomed.
Capabilities –
10” width Ideal, 24” for jointed boards
Thickness Min 1.5mm, Max 5”
Drill Press At a loss here. I've read something bad about everything I've looked at so far, from lots of run out to bendy tables. Any help much appreciated.
Mainly for tuner pegs/machine heads, bridge pins and hogging out cavity material prior to routing
Capabilities –
Quick set Depth Stop
8-10” Throat
Little to No run out
Decent Table with height Adj
Floor mounted
Oscillating Spindle Sander More a whim atm but would help to know a good brand.
For Headstock/ Heel Transitions so doesn't have to be a beast.
Any and all suggestions welcome. Been looking on and off for months but my head starts swimming in jargon by the time I compare 5 machines side by side.
P.S thank you for even taking the time to read this
Kevin
Just done my first year at Uni on an Instrument making course with at least 2 years ahead of me. I'm giving serious consideration to kitting out my workshop early as it hampering my progress outside of school hours.
I've got a majority of my handtools and light power tools already but the bigger stuff is still missing as I'm not sure what to get.
Budgets in the region of 5k but the lower I can keep that the better, as what dosh I have left + savings will be used to cover me while I get up and running
My aim eventually is to knock out at least 1 guitar a month and reducing the workload with machines seems the obvious choice. Wont be going the whole CNC route as I aim to make hand crafted items even if the bulk of prep work is done by machines. You may be amazed at how much hands on is still required.
Space wise I have 4 metres by 4 metres of insulated garage converted with 240v Single phase only.
Its all a bit daunting trying to figure out what is a good make/reliable etc but I do have some ideas that you may agree with or steer me away from with better suggestions.
Here's a list of the main items I'm looking for with capabilities.
Large Bandsaw Looking at the Startrite 502e, Jet 18Q or Record 400 atm but not sure if its overkill.
Capabilities -
Materials, mainly MDF and hardwoods, possible plastics on occasion.
For cutting out 2”+ body blanks prior to routing flush.
Removing excess material from necks/ finger boards.
Angle cuts for scarf joints
Trimming initial curved mould templates.
Ripping boards 8”-10” tall from larger chunks to reduce costs for back and sides for acoustics guitars and the list goes on.
Small Bandsaw/scrollsaw Don't think I can really go wrong with the little Jet one Axminster does?
Capabilities -
Small jobs for more delicate work like inlay shapes, bridge shaping, trimming veneers etc
Planer/thicknesser Only used a portable thicknesser so far and separate jointer so no idea whats a good option. Figured a PT would save room over all.
Capabilities -
Thicknesses Min 5mm max 5”
Widths around 10”, 15" would be great but if the cost jump is massive I could deal with less
For neck blanks nothing bigger than a metre long normally but could go up to 2 metres for a through neck project I guess.
Drum Sander Don’t know much about these but pretty sure it would speed up production times getting things to almost final thickness prior to tweaking, so any advice/info welcomed.
Capabilities –
10” width Ideal, 24” for jointed boards
Thickness Min 1.5mm, Max 5”
Drill Press At a loss here. I've read something bad about everything I've looked at so far, from lots of run out to bendy tables. Any help much appreciated.
Mainly for tuner pegs/machine heads, bridge pins and hogging out cavity material prior to routing
Capabilities –
Quick set Depth Stop
8-10” Throat
Little to No run out
Decent Table with height Adj
Floor mounted
Oscillating Spindle Sander More a whim atm but would help to know a good brand.
For Headstock/ Heel Transitions so doesn't have to be a beast.
Any and all suggestions welcome. Been looking on and off for months but my head starts swimming in jargon by the time I compare 5 machines side by side.
P.S thank you for even taking the time to read this
Kevin